Stories from deep time
A unique opportunity to found
a museum of world significance
T H E E T C H E S
C O L L E C T I O N
MUSEUM OF JURASSIC
M A R I N E
L I F E
THE ETCHES COLLECTION
The small Dorset village that has
given its name to a geological age
“A World Heritage Site is an extremely precious but wellearned distinction for the Jurassic Coast. It is indeed of
worldwide importance and a place of great fascination to
anyone interested in the history of life on this planet…let
us hope…we do our best to improve the ways by which we
enable visitors to understand its significance.”
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
KIMMERIDGE BAY
PHOTO: GUY EDWARDES
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MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
Kimmeridge. A unique relationship to the Late Jurassic
The Jurassic Coast, England’s only World Heritage Site, is internationally renowned for the abundance of fossils on
its shores. Along this famous coastline, lies the Dorset village of Kimmeridge which has given its name to the clay
formation that contains a unique range of fossils from the late Jurassic period.
The Jurassic Coast covers a distance of 95 miles with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s history.
Kimmeridge is at the heart of this significant location and has the greatest succession of Kimmeridgian rocks
exposed in the world. World Heritage status was given to this site due to the quality of its varied geology and
resulting palaeontology spanning the entire Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Amazing stories can be found in the cliffs and rocks and out beneath the seas in the Kimmeridgian shale of sediments
and clays that were formed 150 million years ago. A prehistoric time when pterosaurs, big and small flying reptiles
ruled the skies and the first feathered birds began to appear. On land, giant plant eating sauropods populated the
terrain, grazing on the many species of tropical ferns and early conifers.
Taunton
Shaftesbury
Ilchester
THE VILLAGE OF KIMMERIDGE IN DORSET
PHOTOS: AMBER WOODWARD
Wellington
M5
Holly Bush Park
Sherborne
Yeovil
Ilminster
Sturminster
Newton
Tiverton
Shillingstone
Chard
DEVON
Honiton
Exeter
Fordingbridge
Bridport
Charmouth
Axmouth
Sidmouth
Seaton
Beer
Ringwood
Wimborne
Minster
Lyme
Regis
Dorchester
Bournemouth
Wareham
Abbotsbury
Chesil Beach
Weymouth
CRETACEOUS
KIMMERIDGE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE JURASSIC COAST. A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
II
Studland
West
Lulworth
Portland
Harbour
JURASSIC
Bournemouth
Airport
Poole
Moreton
West
Bay
Upwey
Exmouth
TRIASSIC
Blandford
Forum
Axminster
Branscombe
Budleigh
Salterton
DORSET
Cattistock
Ottery St Mary
Exeter
Airport
Crewkerne
Durdle
Door
Swanage
Steam
Railway
Swanage
Kimmeridge
THE ETCHES COLLECTION
“There is no limit to my
admiration of Steve Etches.
He is a collector par
excellence but rather than
pursuing commercial return
he is always open and
generous to all who wish
to see his collection, from
school children to people
like myself. His modesty is
no reflection of his talents.
His collection is a gem for
the country and he is a
national treasure.”
PROFESSOR SIMON CONWAY MORRIS FRS
Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology, Dept. of
Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge
Steve Etches and his acclaimed collection
Exceptional finds from the world of the Late Jurassic
It was long thought that the local Kimmeridgian clays had little to yield
by way of evidence via well-preserved fossils. A belief that was changed
by the amazing discoveries of Steve Etches, local to Kimmeridge, fossil
collector and expert who over the last 30 years, has discovered, collected
and researched over 2000 incredible late Jurassic Kimmeridgian specimens.
An achievement that has resulted in a collection of the most extensive and
finest fossil specimens ever found in the Kimmeridgian Clay Formation.
Many of the species Steve has discovered are new to science and are of
great palaeontological importance. Each find has been perfectly curated,
providing an immaculate record that reveals every aspect and tells the
STEVE ETCHES LEADING A FIELD TRIP
stories of these incredible creatures from deep time, how they bred,
how they lived and died.
The collection enjoys great patronage and endorsements from
palaeontologists, geologists and scientists in recognition of the superior
status of the collection and its collector. The Palaeontological Association
awarded The Mary Anning Prize to Steve in 1993 and 2005. The Geological
Society of London awarded the R.H. Worth Prize in 1994 and The Geologists’
Association The Halstead Medal. Such recognition is testament to the
importance of the collection and the dedication and scientific
contributions made by an amateur palaeontologist.
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AT WORK ON THE KIMMERIDGE SHALES
MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
MAIN PICTURE: FRONT ENTRANCE TO PROPOSED MUSEUM
The Etches Collection
Creating a permanent home for a world class fossil collection
and a community centre for Kimmeridge
Limited space means the collection is not currently housed together and
viewings can only be made by appointment. In 2008, the Kimmeridge
community formed a collaborative Trust. Their objective is to provide a
secure and permanent home for The Etches Collection, making it readily
accessible to all and conserving it as a national treasure. In early 2013, the
owner of the Smedmore Estate gifted land on which to build the museum.
Steve Etches also gifted his priceless collection to the Trust.
Plans are well advanced to create a unique museum for The Etches
PROPOSED MUSEUM BUILDING
Collection based in Kimmeridge, especially designed to give an engaging
and educational experience with which the local community can also be
fully involved. A place that will become a major attraction to the many
visitors that frequent the village and Kimmeridge Bay each year as well
as a variety of new audiences.
A great visitor experience, The Etches Collection will include an educational
and research area and a visible workshop enabling the careful extraction
and preparation process to take place so the collection can continue to
develop and expand.
FOOTPRINT OF THE SITE GIFTED BY THE
SMEDMORE ESTATE
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THE ETCHES COLLECTION
Designing the museum
Local empathy and amazing use of space
In 2013, Purbeck District Council gave planning consent for building
plans on the site gifted by The Smedmore Estate in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a
round 1 pass allowing the Kimmeridge Trust to develop their plans.
In April 2013, Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects were commissioned
to design an environmentally sustainable building and support the
VIEW LOOKING WEST
Trust in their round 2 application for capital funds. The result is an
inspiring design, totally sympathetic with the local environment,
configured to maximise viewing and display of the collection and
flexible use of space.
The design supports the innovative concepts of the exhibition
display and the incorporation of advanced technology including
computer generated imagery (CGI) and interactive hands-on
VIEW LOOKING NORTH WEST
methods. Versatile spaces are cleverly configured to provide
flexible use for activities involving the community, learning and
research. Pivotal to the design, there is a workshop, visible to
visitors in which Mr Etches can continue to advance his work
and grow the collection whilst transferring his skills and sharing
his knowledge with others.
VIEW LOOKING NORTH
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MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
ARCHITECTS CGI OF MUSEUM BUILDING from THE SOUTH west
Bringing the vision to life
Exhibition Display Gallery
T H E E T C H E S
C O L L E C T I O N
Collector & Fossil Hunter Gallery
Upper Foyer
Studio Workshop
WC
Reserve Collection
Archive & Library
MUSEUM OF JURASSIC
M A R I N E
L I F E
Kitchenette & Wet Room
Discovery Room
Store
Flexible Learning/
Community Space
Covered Terrace
Offices
Entrance, Lower Foyer,
Admissions, Shop & WCs
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THE ETCHES COLLECTION
Unique stories from deep time
ERYMA – OLDEST TRUE LOBSTER FOUND SHELTERING UNDER PICTONIA AMMONITE
VII
MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
Some examples from The Etches Collection
The Etches Collection is the result of one man’s passion. Over 30 years of discovery and diligent research,
dogged determination not just to find and collect specimens, but also to bring to life the amazing stories
of the creatures that existed in the Kimmeridgian age. The following pages give a sense of how the
marine creatures of that ancient world existed.
RHINOBATUS RAY – UNIQUE SPECIMEN SHOWING SET OF
CLASPER FINS USED DURING REPRODUCTION - A FIRST
DISCOVERY FOR BRITAIN
BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED EXAMPLE OF ECHINOID
CLOSE UP OF UNSERRATED TEETH OF ICHTHYOSAUR JAW
DELICATELY FOSSILISED DRAGONFLY WING (ANISOPTERA)
FINELY PRESERVED SPECIMEN OF FISH CALLED THRISSOPS
AMMONITE EGGS SHOWING RARE DISCOVERY OF HOW THESE
PROLIFIC ANIMALS REPRODUCED. A FIRST FOR SCIENCE
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THE ETCHES COLLECTION
Life over 150 million years ago
Two thousand marine fossil specimens
brought to life by their unique stories
The broken Ichthyosaur jaw
Predated Ichthyosaur jaw/skull. Example of
Ichthyosaur with its head bitten off
Complete new genus
and species of barnacle
Still living in tropical seas off the
Japanese coast. This is the oldest
example known from deep time
Ammonites
(Pavlovia Rotunda)
Several young Ammonites that
have been washed into the body
of another, larger example
A Pterosaur
First Pterosaur skull found on the Dorset coast for
200 years. Unique to science and recently been
described and named Cuspicephalus Scarfi
A Gastropod
A beautiful example of a common
fossil found in the muddy substrate
Pliosaur tooth
The largest carnivorous reptile that ever lived. Designed to deal
with eating bone and flesh. Top of the food chain predator
The Ichthyosaur with a full belly
A superb fully articulated Ichthyosaur, possibly the finest ever from the
Kimmeridgian Clay Formation. Its meal of fish and squid can still be seen
within the rib cage. Experts have agreed it represents a new species
MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
A Teleost fish
Deep sea predator. Fish skull showing large
fangs at front of jaw for preying on smaller fish
Broken wing of flying reptile
The only known partial wing of a primitive
Pterosaur called Rhamphorynchus
Belemnotheutis (Squid)
Complete squid with tentacles and hooklets to grasp their prey. Complete with ink sac
THE ETCHES COLLECTION
An innovative
exhibition experience
Stories from deep time
Visitors will enter the Exhibition Gallery and experience a laboratory
of the senses as they are taken on an immersive journey through life
underwater 150 million years ago. Created by the gallery ceiling as
if it were an underwater, glass roofed vessel from which visitors view
the surrounding water world delivered by CGI projection.
The space will be transformed into an aquarium of the past in the blink of an eye, it will change from a scene of tranquillity
and beauty to raw, primal violence and a fight for survival. Objects that once seemed static will be brought to life and
represented as if they were modern day animals.
Directly beneath the ceiling, The Etches Collection will be showcased in illuminated cabinets, the fossil specimens that
are the evidence of the stories of that deep time, bringing to the fore what is being shown above in the underwater world.
The end of an age brought to life then death.
The fossil specimens will be carefully presented and interpreted to bring to life their individual stories. Visitors will leave the
museum recognising that the fossils are tangible evidence of living beings and that there are a wealth of untold stories to
explore and discover as well as a lot to be learnt from this former life on earth.
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MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
DESIGNER’S IMPRESSION OF EXHIBITION DISPLAY GALLERY SHOWING STUDIO WORKSHOP IN THE BACKGROUND
LIFE AND DEATH IN THE KIMMERIDGIAN SEAS
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THE ETCHES COLLECTION
The Etches Collection
An inspiration for many audiences
An innovative and inspiring visitor experience
A new all year round indoor and outdoor visitor attraction for Dorset, the museum will be exemplary in excellence
and operation, fitting seamlessly with tourism strategies for developing the Jurassic Coast. It will not only enhance
the experience for the 150,000 visitors that already come to Kimmeridge every year, but also attract a wider
audience of people of every age who want to visit the museum. The objective is to put the ‘Jurassic into Jurassic’
with considerable investment in the creation of engaging and interactive exhibitions supported by fieldwork projects
and outreach programmes. The exhibition area will be constantly refreshed with new displays to excite and engage
audiences with the collection as it is brought to life. An informative virtual platform for the museum including a digital
collection management database will present the collection in an open forum for exploring ideas and learning more
through web broadcasting, virtual visualisations and access to experts and resources.
A place for the local community and for economic growth
The museum will serve as a strong local focus for the village of Kimmeridge. In an otherwise difficult area of renewal,
it will provide a catalyst that will enhance and strengthen the community without the destructive side effects that
so often threaten these places of beauty. A flexible space for community led activities will be available and the
pride and morale of this small community will be raised as the name and importance of Kimmeridge is recognised
throughout the world. It will give them the confidence to lead, manage and take responsibility for their own
future development. The museum will generate employment that is vital in an outlying rural area and will open
up opportunities for apprenticeships, adult learning, training and volunteers.
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MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
A facility for activities and learning: a significant resource for the national curriculum
At the heart of our operation, active participation and learning will be encouraged to unlock stories about fossil
hunters, Kimmeridge’s place in the global story and revealing the scientific significance of the collection. A changing
palette of practical and exploratory programmes and opportunities for students and visitors to participate alongside
the exhibitions revealing how the artifacts were found and prepared and what their relevance is to life today.
From September 2014, a new science curriculum will be introduced to schools in years 3 & 6. The biology and chemistry
strands will include evolution and fossils. The Etches Collection contains a variety of specimens capable of telling vivid
stories about the lives, predation, death and fossilization of a vast range of marine animals. These stories are engaging
and endlessly fascinating to young scientists. Harper Collins will be working in partnership with the museum to develop
a suite of nationally available teaching resources that will feature the collection and Steve Etches. The museum will
play a key role in exciting the nation’s young people in the world of fossils, both in the museum and across the internet.
A centre for academic research and knowledge: study and fieldwork for the oil and gas industries
In the sedimentary basins of the North Sea, the Kimmeridge Clay Formation is one of the most important source rocks
for oil, this shale oil is economically one of the most principal horizons in all British geology. Kimmeridge is a mecca
for oil and gas geologists and this museum will act as a flagship for the geological community, both national and
international. This purpose-built museum close to the site where this collection of fossils were unearthed, will ensure that
its scientific, cultural and historical potential is realised. This educational facility will enable researchers to fully describe
and document the many new species that are represented, increasing our knowledge of the rich fossil heritage of
The British Isles for the benefit of future generations to come.
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THE ETCHES COLLECTION
A project in progress
The Trust has gained great support and success
The museum housing The Etches Collection will be a centre of excellence, a place where
interested parties can research, learn, debate and share aspects of geology and the world of
the Kimmeridgian, or rent the space for an inspiring corporate event. Fully supported by local
residents, the project provides a new community centre for recreational use and social meetings
and events. An ideal opportunity for people to participate and get involved, take the lead and
shape their own future.
Key milestones, amazing support and contribution
• Gifting of The Etches Collection
• Grant of land by the Smedmore Estate
• Unanimous support from the local community
• Support from Jurassic Coast
• Funding from Purbeck District Council
• Funding from Dorset County Council
• Funding from Hobson Charity
• Funding and support from The Heritage Lottery Fund
• Funding and support from Perenco UK
• Funding and support from the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB)
• Funding from Chalk & Cheese (DEFRA)
• Funding from individual donors
• Funding from The Wolfson Foundation
• Support from Bournemouth University
• Funding from Canford Environmental Ltd
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MUSEUM OF JURASSIC MARINE LIFE
Funding the vision
We need your support to achieve our goal
Developing and building the project, making it sustainable and delivering the various strands of potential
requires a multi-faceted funding strategy and formation of partnerships. The delivery plan is underway and
is set to achieve completion and opening of The Etches Collection in early 2016. The Kimmeridge Trust would
like to thank The Heritage Lottery Fund for their continued support.
Key funding requirements for the next stage
• Support of on-going costs for the project
• The Etches Collection educational programme
• Activities, planning and fulfilment
• Acquisition of archive storage space
• Sponsorship of literature and publicity
• On-going support to the exhibition and museum events
• Technology and IT requirements
• Design and support of online and social media capability
• Sponsorship of The Etches Collection Exhibition and Studio Workshop
• Support research and further growth of the collection
• Website development and electronic connectivity
• Support for graduate apprentice program
• Support for the community centre and volunteers
• Sponsorship of the Learning and Education spaces and programme
• Support for a Curator and Participation & Learning Manager
To learn more about The Etches Collection and our funding
opportunities please contact us using the details below:
Telephone: 00 44 (0)1929 480 737
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theetchescollection.org
XIV
The cover shows a beautifully preserved
and curated Aspidorhynchid. One of over
2000 unique fossil specimens discovered
in the Kimmeridge Clay.
Telephone: 00 44 (0)1929 480 737
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theetchescollection.org
Kimmeridge Trust and Project Team © 2014
Charity no: 1106638
Company no: 05140821